How to choose a washing machine?

So, you've decided to buy a new washing machine and with these intentions you came to the store... Now wait, don't rush, there's no need to choose the first model you like and then suffer and curse the day you bought it. Let's break down the advantages of one model or another. You face a difficult choice: which machine to buy - automatic or semi-automatic, with front or top loading of laundry. Let's consider all the options and their advantages and disadvantages.
Automatic or semi-automatic?

A semi-automatic machine cannot be placed in the kitchen, since they are all strictly top-loading, but they are smaller in size than automatic machines, which is very important. The maximum capacity of such machines is 7 kg, while front-loaders reach 10 kg of dry laundry. A semi-automatic does not need a connection to the water supply, and if there's no space, you can put it even in a closet. Water is added to it only by your own effort, and in washing speed it is much faster than automatic models. And if you suddenly mixed up the buttons and set the wrong mode, a semi-automatic can always be stopped and another wash program started. A semi-automatic machine is more economical than its counterpart, it consumes less water and uses less energy, since it doesn't need to heat water - you pour hot water into it yourself.

Automatic machines can be front or top loading. Automatic machines are larger than semi-automatics. They need a permanent connection to the water supply, and water heating happens directly inside the machine itself. Washing is done at the push of a single button - you set the program for it, and it does everything else itself (rinsing, spinning)...